A beautiful smile can be a powerful asset in both the professional and social worlds. People who smile frequently appear more friendly, approachable, and confident than those who do not, but many people can be shy about showing their smiles due to stains, cracks, or other flaws. Cosmetic dentistry has allowed millions of people across the world to transform their smiles into more ideal states, but if you’re considering elective treatments, you’ll want to be sure that your provider is well-qualified. Here are a few ways to tell if a particular cosmetic dentist is right for you.
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
Cosmetic dental procedures are becoming more and more common, so you probably have a few friends or family members who have had them. Ask them about their experiences with cosmetic dentistry. A few great questions include:
- Did they have a good experience?
- Are they satisfied with the results?
- Was the office clean and the staff friendly?
- Did the dentist make them feel comfortable and seem genuinely attentive to their needs?
Check Out the Office Ahead of Time
You’ll need to have a consultation with a cosmetic dentist before they can do any work, so pay attention while you’re at their office. A dentist’s office should be clean, warm, and inviting, and the staff should treat you with attention, courtesy, and respect.
Have a few questions ready for when you meet the dentist. A few good things to ask would be:
- Where and when did you study dentistry?
- How long have you been performing cosmetic dental procedures?
- Do you have a portfolio of before-and-after photos of previous patients?
- How will the procedure go?
- What kind of recovery will the procedure entail?
Does the Dentist Genuinely Listen to Your Needs and Concerns?
It makes sense that you’d want a dentist who genuinely cares about their patients and carefully listens to their needs and concerns. When you are talking to your dentist, pay attention to how they respond to your questions and whether they present the information in a way that you can understand. They should also be clear about what can be expected from the treatment, what treatments might be appropriate for you, and what treatments might not be a good fit. They should also give you a clear timeframe for the procedure.
Cosmetic dentistry can make a big difference in a patient’s life, but it can also be a big investment in time and finances. Selecting the right dentist can play a big role in determining the final result.
About the Practice
Crossroads Family Dentistry makes dentistry effective and comfortable in Forest, VA. Led by Drs. Steven D. Hatch, James M. Peery, Samuel E. Woolwine, and Carole Roberts, the staff ensures every patient receives personalized attention and stellar customer service. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information about what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, contact the office online or dial (434) 841-1704.